Qualcomm evaluate in-flight mobile phone use
July 19, 2004
Qualcomm and American Airlines successfully demonstrated in-cabin
voice communications using commercially available CDMA mobile phones
on a commercial American Airlines aircraft. Through the use of an
in-cabin 3G "picocell" network, passengers on the test
flight were able to place and receive calls as if they were on the
ground.
The proof-of-concept demonstration flight originated out of the
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. During the approximate
two-hour flight, passengers were able to place and receive phone
calls and text messages on their mobile phones. Passengers included
members of the media and government representatives.
A small in-cabin CDMA cellular base station on the plane, that
uses standard cellular communications, was connected to the worldwide
terrestrial phone network by an air-to-ground Globalstar satellite
link.
The information gathered during this proof-of-concept demonstration
flight will be used to further research into the quality, convenience
and safety of communications with personal CDMA mobile phones carried
by passengers on a commercial aircraft.
"We are pleased to have worked so closely with American Airlines
to complete this proof-of-concept demonstration for the in-flight
use of 3G CDMA technology," said Dr. Irwin Jacobs, chairman
and CEO of Qualcomm.
"American is committed to researching and providing innovative,
cutting-edge products and services that enhance our passengers'
traveling experience and give our customers what they value. Even
though commercial availability of cell phone use in flight is approximately
24 months away, American Airlines knows that our customers want
to stay connected and this proof-of-concept event is an important
step in bringing in-cabin wireless services to our customers,"
said Dan Garton, executive vice president of marketing for American
Airlines.
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